Wood Smith Henning & Berman is pleased to announce the addition of four exceptional medical malpractice defense attorneys all joining the firm from LaFollete, Johnson, DeHaas, Fesler & Ames. WSHB welcomes partner Scott Blakeley, senior counsel Tyrone Toczauer, senior counsel Jason Scupine, and senior associate Robert Rhoten.
Scott Blakeley will serve as a new partner in WSHB's Glendale office, which services Southern California. Blakeley brings extensive experience in representing health care practitioners and organizations in a range of legal matters, including medical malpractice and managed care liability elder neglect and abuse. With an impressive track record of defending nearly 500 Superior Court and binding arbitration lawsuits, Blakeley has a distinguished background as lead counsel in numerous high-stakes medical malpractice and general liability arbitration hearings.
"Scott Blakeley's exceptional legal acumen and commitment to the healthcare profession make him an invaluable addition to our firm," said Los Angeles partner, Brian Hoffman. "His vast experience and personal dedication to each case will significantly enhance our litigation capabilities and reinforce our position as leaders in healthcare law."
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, and a proud alumnus of Cleveland State University and Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles, Blakeley has made Southern California his home since 2004. He is a dedicated legal professional with a strong background in bioethics, which fuels his passion for defending healthcare providers and organizations.
"I am excited to join WSHB and contribute to their highly regarded healthcare practice," remarked Blakeley. "I look forward to collaborating with my new colleagues and continuing to provide exceptional legal representation to our clients."
Tyrone Toczauer is a seasoned litigator with over 30 years of experience. He began his career defending hospitals and medical professionals in court and administrative hearings, handling cases from the inception of claims through resolution via administrative hearings, arbitration, mediation, and trial. Toczauer holds his B.A. in Biology from California State University at Northridge and a J.D. from the University of La Verne, College of Law. During his final year of law school, he externed for the Honorable Lynn D. Compton in the Second Appellate District of the California Court of Appeals.
"My diverse experience has given me a comprehensive understanding of various legal challenges, allowing me to effectively advocate for my clients across multiple domains," said Toczauer.
Jason Scupine, will complement the WSHB team with over 30 years' experience in medical malpractice and elder abuse. An accomplished and detailed litigation professional, he has a proven track record of success representing clients in all aspects of litigation. Jason received his B.A. in Political Science with a specialization in Business Administration from UCLA and his J.D. from Loyola Law School.
"My experience and commitment to meticulous preparation enable me to effectively advocate for my clients and achieve favorable outcomes," commented Scupine. "I am looking forward to joining the team at WSHB and working together to advocate for the best interests of our clients."
Wood Smith Henning & Berman: Your Trusted Partner
Experience the power of a proven industry leader in the law. Wood Smith Henning & Berman (WSHB) is renowned globally for our exceptional trial results and expertise in handling complex litigation. With our nationwide network of over almost 500 lawyers across 41 office locations, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive litigation and counsel to both public and private companies. From start-ups to Fortune 100 corporations, we deliver unrivaled legal representation that consistently achieves favorable outcomes for our clients.
At WSHB, our strength lies in our diverse and accomplished team of attorneys. We boast thought leaders and defense specialists in over 40 fields of practice, covering an extensive range of specialties. Founded in 1997, we are proud to be among the top ten law firms in the nation for diversity, female partners, female lawyers, and Hispanic lawyers. This rich tapestry of diversity forms the foundation of our success when presenting cases to juries of our peers, ensuring we understand the unique nuances underlying each claim.
Our expansive geographic footprint allows us to provide effective and efficient representation to clients nationwide, regardless of their location, background, or legal expertise. By prioritizing strategic and cost-effective approaches to litigation, our dedicated attorneys work tirelessly to protect the interests of our clients. We have a track record of success, securing numerous victories such as summary judgments and defense verdicts on behalf of our clients. As a trial firm, we have taken over 2,000 cases to verdict, making us well-equipped to handle even the most complex and high-stakes litigation matters across the country.